Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race - Notice of Race released and entry open

Hong Kong to Hainan Race © RHKYC / Naomi Rebecca

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club has released the Notice of Race and opened online entry for the 2024 Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race, set to start on 14 November.

The Race takes competitors on a 390nm, historically downwind, passage to Sanya on the southern China island of Hainan. Sanya, known as the "Hawaii of the East" is a great finish location for a holiday and a famous hub for yacht tourism in Asia. A free passage policy was established in 2022 between the Hainan Special Economic Zone and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, enabling sailors from Hong Kong to use their Hong Kong license to operate their yacht for recreation or sports in Hainan. The 21-day time limit of Hong Kong yachts operating in Hainan has also been lifted.

2024 will mark the 14th edition of the Race which was established in 1997 with the inaugural event being held on 27 December that year; having been incorporated as a part of the celebrations marking the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. Similarly, the start from Macau in 1999 formed part of the Chinese celebrations to commemorate the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region. The Hainan Race has been held biennially since 2012 with the racing schedule being interrupted by Covid after the 2018 edition.

The start line will be in front of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club's Kellett Island Clubhouse on 14 November with the start signal sounding at 1120hrs. Once in Hainan, participating yachts may join the Round Hainan Regatta.

Notice of Race and Online Entry Details